Oven baked potatoes
Oven-baked potatoes are a simple, comforting, and versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals. Brushed with melted butter, sprinkled with garlic salt, and wrapped in foil before baking, these potatoes become soft, fluffy, and flavorful. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious oven-baked potatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized russet potatoes (or your choice of potato variety)
- 4 tablespoons of melted butter (or enough to generously brush the potatoes)
- Garlic salt, to taste
- Optional: Freshly ground black pepper, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean towel. You can leave the skins on, as they add flavor and texture, but you may also peel the potatoes if you prefer.
- Pierce the potatoes: Use a fork to pierce the potatoes several times on all sides. This helps steam escape during baking and prevents the potatoes from bursting.
- Brush with melted butter: Place the melted butter in a bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat each potato generously with melted butter.
- Sprinkle with garlic salt: Season the potatoes with garlic salt to taste, ensuring the entire potato is evenly coated. You can also add black pepper or other seasonings if desired.
- Wrap in foil: Wrap each potato in aluminum foil, making sure it is completely covered and sealed.
- Arrange on a cookie sheet: Place the foil-wrapped potatoes on a cookie sheet in a single layer. This will make it easier to handle them when they’re hot and help catch any drips during baking.
- Bake the potatoes: Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the potatoes. The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven: Carefully remove the cookie sheet from the oven. Allow the potatoes to cool for a few minutes before unwrapping the foil.
- Serve: Once unwrapped, the potatoes are ready to be served. You can slice them open and add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Enjoy Your Oven-Baked Potatoes!
These oven-baked potatoes are fluffy and tender on the inside, while the butter and garlic salt add a savory, aromatic touch. Perfect as a side dish or a main course with your favorite toppings, this easy recipe is sure to become a go-to for your home-cooked meals. Enjoy!
